Our first real opportunity to have a function for all members at our new clubrooms, and we pick the hottest day of the year. Might have been the hottest day on record in the world? It really felt like it.There was no turning back. We got there about 10am - Kim & Carmel, Shane, Deano started decorating the Clubrooms, erecting the Xmas tree, filling the fridges, putting up the gazebo, blowing up the swimming pool, setting up the water slide, turning on the sprinklers, Bernie with his massive evaporative cooler, Deano tapping the first of the kegs..... Lucky we had you there Dean to test the beer, otherwise it may not have been ready by the time guests got there. Apparently you have to keep the beer flowing through the lines or they will freeze (that was quoted by Deano several times during the day and night). Even at midnight he was saying "it's gonna freeze.....". Have to thank my son Shane for his constant attempts at helping Deano with the freezing issue. Guests arrived throughout the afternoon and into the early evening and the setting was perfect. Kids in the pool, kids on the water-slide. Kim (or maybe Carmel) had thought of everything - including a misting system attached to the gazebo which kept us alive. There was all you can eat pizza for everyone, chicken platters, cheese, kabana , salami's, chips & lollies. And to the members that brought the food to share, - the salads, the cakes, the deserts - thank you. And who knows, next year we may even have a concrete burnout pad. Maybe.And did I mention three 50ltr kegs of beer? Thanks Anne for organising the fire truck for Santa (pretty sure his sleigh was getting serviced). And Wayne - I mean Santa - what an awesome job! You've got that gig permanently now.

So, for those club members that did make the effort to venture out from their air-conditioned homes, on one of the crappiest weather days of the year, we appreciate it and we thank you. You made it a great night and one to remember.

And as the night was winding down after midnight, we looked around, and the only people left were the ones that had been there since 10am! That's true dedication to the cause boys. And then - take a guess who was back again Sunday morning to begin the cleanup? Yep, you're right. And the keg had to remain on in case the lines froze.....

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I would like to sincerely thank Kim again for the award he presented to me at the end of speeches. To say I was a little surprised is an understatement. I has absolutely no idea that was coming. I was really humbled by your words, and very impressed with the amazing trophy. It's not every day you see, or have your hands on a conrod out of an engine of a 5 second nitro burning Funny Car. Very thoughtful Kim and a very, very impressive trophy. However, as you've previously said from day one, it's not all about one persons contribution to the operation of Custom Addictions - I really just do what I think anyone would do in my position.However, I'd like everyone reading this to take a moment to reflect and recognise the time and effort put in by you and Carmel. You guys work constantly for the success and betterment of this Club and I want to take this opportunity to put in writing and say that you guys also deserve a huge amount of credit for the day to day nitty-gritty operation and the planning for the future direction of this Club. So on behalf of all members I want to say a huge THANK YOU!

That's kind of what I wanted to say on Saturday night, but was obviously lost for words.......